FM #218 Town Council - Citizen Comments and Civil Discourse Pledge Discussion/Vote (audio)

FM #218 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 218 in the series.

The Town Council meeting of Wednesday, March 4, 2020 featured multiple citizens comments and then the discussion on Resolution 20-14 - the Civil Discourse Pledge.

At least one topic was really not related to an agenda item and hence appropriate for raising here. Many of the other citizen comments ultimately seemed related to the item scheduled for discussion later in the meeting.

For the ease of the listener, the whole citizen comments segment is included, with brief bit of music to provide some space, and then the meeting segment on civil discourse begins and runs to completion.

The resolution passed by a 6-yes, 2-no, and 1-abstain vote with a couple of minor textual clarifications via amendment. 

The proposed text is included here 
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/10a-legislation-action-27

My notes from the meeting are linked to also

• Citizen Comments

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-town-council-march-4-2020.html

• Civil Discourse Pledge

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-civil-discourse.html

When the final text is available, we’ll add that link as well.

The citizen comment segment runs about 17 minutes. The civil discourse segment runs about an hour and twenty-five minutes.  The total recording runs an hour and 47 minutes   https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H6KfYWFX





We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Boy scouts from Troop 126 lead the overflow crowd at the Town Council meeting in the "Pledge of Allegiance"

FM #217 - wfpr.fm Presidential Primary Broadcast March 3, 2020 (audio)

FM #217 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 217 in the series.

The Franklin Public Radio team gathered to broadcast live on wfpr.fm from Franklin High School as the polls closed at 8 PM on Tuesday, March 3. As the Franklin results were tabulated, we would be ready to share Town Clerk Teresa Burr’s information.

If you happened to tune in live, or read the news on Wednesday you found out that due to a spreadsheet problem, the results were not available for broadcast. I did stop by the Town Clerk’s office on Wednesday to capture what were still the unofficial results.at that time. You’ll hear Teresa and Assistant Clerk Nancy Daniello provide the quick summary.

The official results will be certified and submitted to the Secretary of the Commonwealth by Friday, March 6. The results when available will also be found on the Franklin Town Clerk page and Franklin Matters.

Thanks to my co-hosts Jim Derrick, Frank Falvey. Also to Pete Faciano, Keith Palmieri and Mark Berman for their technical work to enable this. And special thanks to our guests; Rep Jeff Roy, Town Councilor Glenn Jones, and School Committee member MJ Scofield.

Let's listen to the broadcast: https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HXqXCBwX




We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Note the official results were released by Town Clerk Teresa on Friday, March 6
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cRD9ZEFGGnaC13E3GtH5X9EwkLnV5Elq/view?usp=sharing

FM #217 - wfpr.fm Presidential Primary Broadcast March 3, 2020 (audio)

"to win two (sectional championships) back-to-back is incredible”

Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap for the FHS girls basketball team 53-38 win vs. Natick in the D1 Central Final.

"After overcoming a rough first quarter against Holy Name in the Div. 1 Central semifinal, Franklin wanted to make sure that it got off to a better start in Friday night’s final at Worcester State.

The Panthers dominated on both ends of the floor, scoring the first nine points of the game and building a 16-5 lead after one. Natick never got closer than eight points for the remainder of the game. Franklin showed off its experience on the big stage, and its defensive prowess, to pull out a 53-38 victory and win its second straight Div. 1 Central crown.

“That was super hard,” Franklin senior Megan O’Connell said of the tough start to the semifinal. “My stomach was in my throat that game. This was a lot better. We got up by a lot, but in the third quarter it fell apart and then we got it back. We want to keep moving on and it’s survive and advance right now.”

Franklin coach John Leighton admitted that there was a focus on starting better than the Panthers did at WPI and he brought in some reinforcements to talk to the team. Kristen McDonell, the current Norwood boys and former Braintree girls coach (who twice coached the Wamps to wins over Franklin in sectional finals), spoke to the Panthers about staying the course even if things don’t go well in the opening few minutes."

Continue reading the recap:
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-girls-basketball-brings-home-second-straight-central-crown/


For a photo gallery from this game:
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Winter-2019-2020/Franklin-Natick-Girls-Basketball-3-6-20/

"to win two (sectional championships) back-to-back is incredible”

FHS boys basketball drop heartbreaker to St. John’s In D1 Central Final

Joe Clark, HockomockSports.com Contributor, provides the game recap for the FHS boys basketball loss to St John's 55-56

"The Franklin and St. John’s Shrewsbury boys basketball teams are no stranger to each other, squaring off in the state tournament for the fifth time in the last seven years.

And just like the times before it, it came down to the wire.

Behind a pair of free throws from sophomore TJ Power with 4.9 seconds left, top-seeded St. John’s squeaked out a 56-55 win over the sixth-seeded Panthers in the D1 Central Final.

“Franklin’s got a heck of a team, they’re well-coached, but we’re not bad either,” St John’s coach Bob Foley said after the Pioneers win."

Continue reading the recap online
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-drops-heartbreaker-to-st-johns-in-central-final/

Franklin’s Thomas Gasbarro takes a shot in front of his bench in the D1 Central Final. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Inspector General Warns Public about Widespread Social Security Scam Texts

"Social Security phone scams are the number one type of fraud reported to the Federal Trade Commission. Callers claim that you have a problem with your Social Security number or benefits and demand immediate payment from you to avoid arrest or other legal action.

We recently announced two landmark civil complaints, filed by the Department of Justice in the Eastern District of New York, seeking injunctions against five telecommunications companies and their owners. The complaints allege the companies and their owners have, for years, knowingly facilitated government imposter telephone scams. The Department of Justice issued a news release about the filing and request for court orders, and held a press call with U.S. Attorney Richard Donaghue, Inspector General Gail S. Ennis, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale.

If granted, the court orders will prevent the five enjoined companies from continuing to allow “the delivery of millions of fraudulent ‘robocalls’ every day from foreign call centers to the U.S. telecommunications system.”

Continue reading at the Social Security page
https://blog.ssa.gov/social-security-is-taking-action-to-prevent-scam-calls/#more-4633

Inspector General Warns Public about Widespread Social Security Scam Texts

Reminder: Shuttle bus for Franklin Line on weekends through March 2020

South Station – Forge Park/495

Weekends through March

Shuttle buses will replace Franklin Line service between Forge Park/495 and Readville Stations while we upgrade the signal system as part of Positive Train Control (PTC) work. Also during this work, connecting train service between Readville and South Station will be on the Fairmount Line. There will be no Franklin Line service at Ruggles or Back Bay.

Learn about Positive Train Control

See all Franklin Line service changes

MBTA - Franklin Line - Reminder: shuttle bus service on weekends through March 2020

Franklin Liquors: How To Enjoy Wine More - March 10

How To Enjoy Wine More

March 10

This sit down wine tasting/educational event is for long time wine lovers and wine newbies. A Tri-County Adult Education event held in the Franklin Liquors wine room.

How can you enhance your wine adventures?
Do you need ideas how to love wine more?

This class will suggest, present and explore ways to enjoy wine. Topics will include tasting, buying, pairing, history and more!

https://registration.xenegrade.com/tri-county/courseDisplay.cfm?schID=3045


Mark C. Lenzi
CSW, CSS, CWAS, FWS, IWS, SWS
Franklin Liquors
363 East Central St
Franklin MA 02038
508-528-7338

franklinliquors.com

Franklin Liquors: How To Enjoy Wine More - March 10

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Tuesday, March 10 and FREE

Experience the health benefits of joyful laughter on Tuesday, March 10 (and every second Tuesday once a month) from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 

LET'S LAUGH TODAY

Laughter Yoga is a body/mind practice for well-being that involves deep breathing and a few stretches, playful laughter exercises (no jokes or comedy), clapping and deep relaxation. It can strengthen the immune system, combat the negative effects of stress, and is a powerful antidote to depression and anxiety. 



Any age and any level of physical ability can participate in this uplifting experience! You can sit or stand. 

New laughers are always welcomed! Please bring your water bottle because laughing is dehydrating. This is a FREE event! 

Led by Certified Laughter Yoga Master Trainers, Linda and Bill Hamaker. www.letslaughtoday.com. If you have any questions, just call them at 508-660-2223 or e-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com. 

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Mar 6 to THU - Mar 12

Friday, March 6

10:00am

 Knitting Group

Saturday, March 7

9:30am

 St. Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group

10:00am

 Franklin Historical Museum (Always free)

10:30am

 Library- Baby Sensory!- Ages 0-2

10:30am

 Library-Dog Man Party!-Whole Family

3:00pm

 Library - Cookbook Club - Adults

3:00pm

 Library-Teen Pasta Party!-Ages 13-18

8:00pm

 Kara Lindsay and Kevin Massey in Concert

Sunday, March 8

 Daylight Saving Time starts

8:00am

 All You Can Eat Breakfast

1:00pm

 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:10pm

 Second Sunday Speaker Series

3:00pm

 Library - Celebrating Ireland - All ages

Monday, March 9

10:30am

 Library-Move Along- Ages 0-5

3:30pm

 Library- D&D for Kids- Ages 7-13

Tuesday, March 10

 MICCA Showcase Concert Chorus&Orch

9:30am

 Library- Cool Cruisers- 8mo-18mo

10:30am

 Library-Get Ready for Kindergarten- 3-5yrs

4:00pm

 Library-Toe-Tapping Tuesdays-Ages 2-4!

6:00pm

 Library - Adults - Drop-In ESL Conversation Class

7:30pm

 Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Public Meeting

7:30pm

 Let's Laugh Today

Wednesday, March 11

10:30am

 Library- Terrific Toddlers- Ages 18mo-3yrs

3:30pm

 Library- Creation Station!- Ages 4+

4:30pm

 SPRING DISTRICT VISUAL AARTS SHOWCASE

6:30pm

 Library-Teen Advisory Board-Teens (13+)

7:30pm

 Franklin Newcomers and Friends: Steve Sherlock talks about Franklin Matters

Thursday, March 12

 MICCA Showcase Band Concert

9:30am

 Library- Tummy Time- Ages 0-12mo (pre-walkers)

10:30am

 Library-Story Xplorers- Ages 0-5

4:00pm

 Library- Bookworm Bounce Storytime!- Ages 0-5

6:30pm

 Library-Tales for Tails-Grades 2+

For the interactive version, please visit

https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

For the Town of Franklin Public Meeting Calendar

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

Submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this link

https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/links/submit-event

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Mar 6 to THU - Mar 12

SAFE Coalition creates the "Jeffrey N. Roy - Excellence in Public Service Award"

The SAFE Coalition presented its’ first annual “Jeffrey N. Roy Excellence in Public Service Award” to State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D) Franklin. 

Representative Roy is a founding member and Director of SAFE Coalition.
The award has been named for Representative Roy in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to prevention, destigmatization and treatment of Substance Use Disorder. 

The “Jeffrey N. Roy - Excellence in Public Service Award“ will be awarded annually to a person(s) who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to prevention and/or treatment of Substance Use Disorder.

SAFE Coalition president Jennifer Levine said, “Since helping to launch the coalition in 2015 Jeff Roy has been a tireless advocate for those impacted by Substance use Disorder. Jeff provided the leadership our organization needed in its early formation and has secured over $150,000 for SAFE in state funding that has enabled us to do our work."

About SAFE Coalition, Inc
SAFE is a regional coalition of community partners in Western Norfolk County (serving Franklin, Foxboro, Mansfield, Medway, Norfolk, Plainville, Walpole, Wrentham and surrounding towns) who have come together to provide a pathway for support, education, treatment options and coping mechanisms for those affected by substance use disorder. We do so by empowering those affected, including their families, with the tools necessary to succeed on their journey to recovery   https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

L-R Jennifer Levine, Rep Jeff Roy, Jim Derrick (Facebook photo via Rep Roy and SAFE Coalition)

FHS boys hockey team drop game to Archbishop Williams to end playoff run

Ryan Lanigan, founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap for the FHS boys hockey loss to Archbishop Williams, ending their playoff run 0-3.

"The Franklin boys hockey team had a sizable advantage in shots on goal, chances in the offensive end, and time in the attacking zone, but the Panthers walked away from Gallo Ice Arena with nothing to show for it.

Despite outplaying the 14th-seeded Bishops of Archbishop Williams for most of the game, the Panthers came up empty-handed. Archies scored a pair of power play goals and added a shorthanded one to skate to a 3-0 decision over the 10th-seeded Panthers.

“The seedings, you can throw them away,” said Franklin head coach Anthony Sarno. The D1 South Semifinals featured 9, 10, 12, and 14 seeds. “It’s about who comes to play, who wants it more. You’ve got to be on the right side of the puck and tonight, we had our chances we just couldn’t put it away. I thought we carried a lot of the play in the first and second periods, we just couldn’t put on behind the goalie.

“You can’t put your finger on one single thing, but it just wasn’t our night. I told the seniors, don’t hang your heads. We tried to do the best we could tonight, we just didn’t have it tonight. But it’s a great group of boys and they worked hard from start to finish.”

Continue reading the game recap:
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-blanked-by-bishops-in-south-semifinals/

For a photo gallery from this game:
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Winter-2019-2020/Franklin-Archbishop-Williams-Boys-Hockey-03-05-20/

Franklin senior goalie Ray Ivers makes a save on a shot from Archbishop Williams’ Alex Umbro in the second period. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

FM #216 Board of Health Meeting March 4, 2020 (audio)

FM #216 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 216 in the series.

The Franklin (MA) Board of Health met at 5 PM on Wednesday, March 4, 2020. Interesting to note that while coronavirus was among the topics, the Health Director Cathleen Liberty was following best practices and participated remotely as she was not feeling well. A good example to set for us all these days.

Chair Bridget Sweet opens the meeting. Members Tim Cochrane and Jeff Harris participate. Ginny McNeil the Health Agent also contributes actively to the meeting. There is acknowledgement of a Town Council who entered the room during the course of the meeting to sit and participate. In case you don’t recognize his voice, for the record I can say it was Eamon Earls.

The agenda document is linked to in the show notes
https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/agenda/boh-agenda-36

The new coronavirus information portal was discussed and the link is included here
https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/urgent-alerts/corona-virus-information-portal

The meeting audio runs about 45 minutes so without further ado, let’s listen in to the Board of Health meeting of March 4, 2020  Audio Link 
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HDfQW0wX






We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

coronavirus information portal

Artist Reception: Chris Blue Lamb Toubeau - March 29

The First Universalist Society in Franklin will be hosting a public reception for Franklin artist Chris Blue Lamb Toubeau on Sunday, March 29, 1:00 - 3:00 PM. 

Please join the artist and learn about her series of paintings called “Future Awash”. (www.chrisbluelamb.com) Ms. Toubeau uses art as a vehicle to communicate about the current climate change crisis, and how humans are complicit. 

The exhibit will run from March 9 - May 3 at the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. www.fusf.org

Please join the artist and learn about her series of paintings called “Future Awash”

Purim dinner, service, and Megillah reading - March 9

Purim dinner, service, and Megillah reading scheduled for Monday, March 9 at 6:00 PM.

RSVP to rac@temple-etzchaim.org for the dinner only.  Location is Temple Etz Chaim, 900 Washington ST. in Franklin

Purim dinner, service, and Megillah reading - March 9

For more about the Temple and its services, visit their page
https://temple-etzchaim.org/

FYI - Purim commemorates the day Esther, Queen of Persia, saved the Jewish people from execution by Haman, the advisor to the Persian king

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Mardi Gras in Franklin - March 14

New Orleans comes to Franklin View this email in your browser The Squeezebox Stompers Cajun/Zydeco Band March 14 -  8 PM  - $20 The Squeezebox Stompers will be bringing the sounds of New Orleans to Franklin at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse on Saturday, March 14th.  Listening to the Squeezebox Stompers is like taking a walk through the streets of the French Quarter. Even in staid New England every day is Mardi Gras with the Squeezebox Stompers. Wherever they go, they bring on the party with their mix of Zydeco, Cajun, blues and good ol' roadhouse rock 'n roll. Whether you're a dancer or just a toe tapper, the Stompers will get your blood boiling and put a smile on your face.  There will be an area for dancing. Led by accordionist Rockin' Ralph Tufo, formerly of the award-winning Boogaloo Swamis, the Stompers feature musicians who have decades of experience playing the roots and branches of American music. Guitarist Larry Plitt was the winner of the 2007 Boston Folk Festival Songwriting Contest. Geoff Wadsworth on saxophone, harmonica, and tin whistle is a veteran of the Boston jazz and blues scene. Andy Solberg, versed in jazz, folk, and blues drives the band with his scintillating bass lines. Mike Migliozzi on drums is a master of Cajun, Zydeco, and New Orlean rhythms. Finally, Steve Latanision a virtuoso on fiddle, mandolin, and banjo adds an eclectic roots dimension to the band. https://www.squeezeboxstompers.com/ The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available.  Please visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information. Upcoming Shows Apr 4          Tom Rush Apr 18        Matt Nakoa with Emerald Rae May 9         Red Molly

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA